Game 2 down, one more to go. So let's do this:
PROS:
Moseley, though he struggled through the first couple innings, held the Blue Jays to 2 runs on 9 hits. He didn't walk too many, and had a couple well placed strike-outs. He did get into some trouble later, but made it through five innings with just over 90 pitches - which kept him within the parameters Scioscia had set. He's been getting better and better with each start, coming out of the bullpen that way. So, at least as it seems, the back ends of the starting rotation seems to be getting better and more comfortable with each start.
The defense definitely played better today, as opposed to yesterday's game, so it could possibly be that the day-off set them out of focus a bit; or it could be that there were specific players on the field today that weren't there yesterday to contribute, or maybe Scioscia said something effective after yesterday's game. Whatever it was, it made an improvement. No errors today, a few good double-plays.
There were also some consistencies also in the batting order. Figgins is still batting great and stealing bases. And Willits didn't go hitless; in fact, he made the first hit of the game. Cabrera got on, stole a base, and scored the Angels' only run in the fifth on another Guerrero RBI single.
CONS:
However, they didn't play exactly their best tonight. Yes, the quality of defense was by far superior to last night's game. But there were little things, here and there, that I know I've seen them do better. For instance, Matthews Jr., going for a catch at the warning track that sent him bouncing off of the walls. Though it may not have been exactly considered a "routine" play, I know I've seen Matthews make crazier catches. The ball made it to his glove, but bounced out as he bounced off the center field wall. And there were some fielder's choices today that probably weren't the best choices; a couple what should have been double plays, some throws that probably should've beat the runners, things of that nature.
And in terms of batting, they were hitting, a bit, but not like they have been at home, obviously. I don't know what it really is about home that gets this team going, but I wish they could be more consistent and take that kind of playing energy with them as they travel. It's all a psychological thing. Just like Santana, who's probably go the worst issue with going on the road. It started out pretty innocently with him; a few games on the road go bad, but he totally rips it up at home. Then, it starts to get worse on the road, inflating his ERA over 6... and then it starts following him home until he's so psychologically bent on it, that even his home record suffers. But it's not his mechanics, at least I don't believe so. He's got good stuff - his confidence has just been so shot this year with this psychological issue over home performance and away performance. He just needs to beat that, and play the same every game and have the same mindset every game.
I digress. Anyway, the eighth inning was probably the defining moment, at least for me. The lead-off man got on, Aybar, after a pitch-milking at-bat that was actually quite impressive. It even had the announcers a bit hopeful of another late in the game comeback, characteristic of this ball club lately. But he got completely caught off-guard, and easily picked off at first. It was almost like he was standing there looking at something off the field and totall forgot where he was for a second. But all it takes is a second, and that was it. Hasn't turned out to be the best series for Aybar. The two errors yesterday, a catch that Cabrera probably would've made at short stop, though also not a routine play, and then the pick-off... Then Willits struck out. But after that, Figgins got on base, and Cabrera drew a walk. I don't know what it is about the Angels, but it seems their rallies have to come with two outs. But a first and second situation, with the team's big bat, Vlad Guerrero up.
I'm sure it had Toronto shaking in their boots. The tying run and go ahead on base, and another at the plate, who could go all the way. It should've been the moment of the game. But I wasn't quite sure it would happen. Vlad, though hitting .322 before today's game, has been sliding, even after the four or so home runs he hit to end his drought. Since then, still not much. But he has been hitting, and getting on base. But for some reason, I felt this was going to be a disappointment. And it was. The final strike came on a two-seam fastball up and in, far above the strike zone, but he was swinging at it anyway. And thus, the climax ended, quite a disappointment.
Problem is... Yes. Vlad Guerrero is the best bad ball hitter to grace the field. He golfs them, hitting them out after they've already bounced out of the dirt. He's hit them at his knees, he's reached for them way outside, he's pulled his hands in and taken it deep with some so inside that they nearly hit him. But this shouldn't be his goal. His goal should be to wait for his pitch, rather than drawing or pulling the pitcher's pitch. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you always should, given the chance. He pretty much ALWAYS swings on the first pitch. And it's always a surprised to me if he doesn't. But it has to be like a SERIOUSLY bad pitch for him not to. I just think he needs to start being more selective with his pitches. Today, he could've had that hit.
But really, I shouldn't complain too much. You seriously just can't win them all; well, you CAN, but it's not really that likely. So if they want to hit a slump, they can, so long as Seattle keeps losing too! Ha!
In Other News:
Lots of negativity in the baseball world, lots of violence. The death of announcer "Scooter" Rizzuto... the steriods stuff STILL surrounding Bonds...
Prince Fielder was ejected from the Brewer's game for arguing a pitch call with the home plate umpire. Got in his face, and was actually suspended for three games. Pending appeal. The most I know about Fielder is that he's young, and what they said about him during the All-Star game. He doesn't seem like a real aggressive guy. Seems to be pretty reserved, as does the whole of the Brewers' team. Don't hear much about them in this respect, so this came as a surprise to me.
Also, former All-Star Jose Offerman, playing in the minor leagues, did something I couldn't believe as I read it. During a game, Offerman was hit by a fastball. Ok, it happens, intentionally and not intentionally. It just happens. And I can understand being pissed off about that. But the reaction is always more important than the initial reaction. After being hit by the pitch, Offerman took to charging the mound, and he actually swung his bat, striking both the pitcher AND the catcher. He ended up giving the catcher a concussion and breaking the pitcher's finger. Can you believe that??? HIT THEM WITH A BAT!!! What in the world went through that guy's mind? Didn't your mother EVER tell you not to hit??? Shame. Bad boy. Bad.
Did anyone other than me think that Toronto's John McDonald looked a bit like Atlanta's Mark Teixeira? Maybe it's just me, but when he came up to hit today, I was like "whoa."
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